A few years ago, right after VelociCoaster opened (and my husband and I were desperate to ride it without aging five years in the standby line), we decided to splurge on the Universal Orlando VIP Experience. We brought along one of our fellow Universal nerd friends, and we were hyped. I was just starting to […]
Valentine’s Day at Universal: Date Nights, Pink Champagne, and Gift Ideas
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re like us, you aren’t doing the traditional “roses and a quiet table for two” thing. This year, we’re going to be at Epic Universe with our kids and some of our favorite family friends. So, while a formal date night isn’t on the menu, I’m […]
Why the Universal Annual Photo Pass is the Best UOAP Investment
If you are a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder (UOAP) and you aren’t using the My Universal Photos Annual Pass Photo Package, what are you even doing? I’ll admit, when we first started going, I thought I didn’t need it. I have a phone; I can take pictures. But you can’t exactly take a selfie while […]
Why the 2nd Generation Wands are Actually a Must-Buy (From a Self-Proclaimed Obsessed Wizard)
Are the new 2nd generation wands at Universal Orlando worth the upgrade? From battling Dementors to earning House Points, here is a deep dive into the haptics, adventures, and “magic” of the newest wands. Let’s address the elephant in the Room of Requirement: Yes, our family now owns four 2nd generation wands. My girls have […]
Universal Orlando Blackout Dates 2026
If you’ve been following my “not-so-normal” life for a while, you know that Universal Orlando is my home away from home. But even I have my limits. There are some days when the crowds are so thick you can’t even find a quiet corner in Knockturn Alley to sip on your Wizard’s brew. Universal Orlando […]
Diagon Alley is Hiding in Plain Sight (And No, It’s Not a Bathroom)
I’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately and I am officially concerned. Apparently, there’s a whole demographic of people who “can’t find” Diagon Alley. One person even claimed they visited the parks three times before they realized there was an entire wizarding world hidden behind a brick wall. I find that physically hard to believe. You’re […]
The Best Kept Secret: Why I’m Skipping the Super Bowl for Diagon Alley
If you’re checking the Universal Orlando crowd calendar for February, you might be tempted to avoid the weekends entirely. But there is one specific day that feels like a glitch in the Matrix: Super Bowl Sunday. For anyone who doesn’t know me: While half the country is screaming at a TV and stressing over prop […]
Universal’s Blackout Dates 2025
Know Your Blackout Dates: A 2025 Passholder’s Guide to Making the Most of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! Hey there, fellow Universal Orlando passholders! Planning your next trip? Let’s talk about those pesky blackout dates (or blockout dates, as Universal calls them) and how to make sure your adventure is nothing short of epic. […]
Avoiding the Spring Break Crowds at Universal Orlando
Spring break always seems like the perfect time to visit Universal Orlando, but it’s also when the crowds reach their peak. Here are some tips to help you navigate the theme parks during this busy period. When Are Spring Breaks? Before planning your trip, check the spring break schedules of schools and colleges in your […]
